Reader's Hooker of the Year
- 3422
As the year draws to a close we take a look back at the year that was and have nominated four players from each position for your team of the year.
We have included players based on their club and test form, particularly their form at the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
We had a look at the loosehead props here and the hookers follow below.
Bongi Mbonambi - South Africa
- Enjoyed rich form for the Stormers during the Super Rugby season
- Took the Springbok starting jersey off of Malcolm Marx
- Was a key cog in the Springbok pack that lost just two lineouts at the World Cup
- Helped the Springboks to the World Cup Final, where his game was ended early with an injury.
Jamie George - England
- Helped Saracens win the Champions Cup and Premiership double
- Started regularly for England and put a massive number of minutes
- Performed consistently throughout the year for club and country
- Helped England to the World Cup Final
Ken Owens - Wales
- Wore his heart on his sleeve for Scarlets in a tough season
- Filled in the back row for Scarlets during the 2018/19 season
- Consistent and brilliant for Wales as they won the Six Nations Grand Slam
- Took that form into the World Cup and helped Wales to a fourth-place finish
- One of only two front-rowers to feature in the top 15 tacklers at the World Cup
Shota Horie - Japan
- Was rested during the Super Rugby season to prepare for the World Cup.
- Starred as Japan became the first Asian side to reach the knockouts of the Rugby World Cup.
- Made more tackles than any other front-rower at the World Cup (58)
- Featured in all 5 of Japan's World Cup games.